And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

ZECHARIAH 10:7KJV
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Zechariah 10:7 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 10:7 mean?

Zechariah 10:7 describes how the people of Ephraim will become strong and joyful, celebrating with a gladness so deep it is compared to the effects of wine. Their children will witness this transformation and also rejoice, with their happiness centered in the LORD.

In this verse, Zechariah is sharing a message from God to the people of Israel, specifically mentioning the tribe of Ephraim, which often represents the northern tribes. The context is one of restoration and hope after hardship, promising that God will renew their strength and bring joy not just to one generation but to their descendants as well. The focus is on a communal, lasting joy rooted in their relationship with the LORD.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 10:7

  • אֶפְרַיִם (Ephraim): Refers to one of the main tribes of Israel, often used as a symbol for the northern kingdom. Mentioning Ephraim highlights the restoration of a group that had experienced division and loss.
  • גִּבּוֹר (gibbor, "mighty"): This word is often used for a strong or valiant man, suggesting not just physical strength but courage and capability. The verse promises a transformation from weakness to strength.
  • שָׂמַח (samach, "rejoice") and גִּיל (gil, "rejoice"): Two different Hebrew words for joy appear here, emphasizing both an inward gladness and an outward, exuberant celebration. The use of both words paints a picture of complete, overflowing joy.
  • יַיִן (yayin, "wine"): The comparison to wine suggests a joy that is vivid and deeply felt, not just a quiet contentment but a celebratory, noticeable happiness.

Why Zechariah 10:7 matters

  • Zechariah 10:7 clarifies that God’s restoration is not only about physical strength or victory but also about deep, heartfelt joy that affects families and future generations.
  • The verse connects the promise of strength and joy directly to the LORD, showing that true renewal and gladness come from a restored relationship with God, not just improved circumstances.
  • By mentioning both Ephraim and their children, the verse highlights the communal and generational impact of God’s blessing, reinforcing the hope of lasting restoration for all of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“rejoice” Hebrew H1523 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
  • Psalms 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
  • Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

“wine” Hebrew H3196 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 9:21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
  • Isaiah 22:13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.

“rejoice” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
  • Proverbs 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.